Dozens of loved ones filled the stands holding signs and cheering as their heroes gave one final salute to their deployment.

It’s been 9 months since they have hugged their families; now they’re home just in time to enjoy the holidays.

Nancy Wilson said of her son’s return, “I just never thought this day would that I would have to share my son as selfish of a mother I was, with the entire country. It’s an amazing feeling. I’m so grateful.”

Wilson’s son Nelson Martinez was deployed to Afghanistan when his son Ayden was just days old. Now he’ll get to enjoy Thanksgiving at home with the whole family.

“I’m at a loss for words, I’m just happy to back to be honest,” said Martinez. “I’m just having Thanksgiving at my house, flying my brother down and my wife and my son are going to be there and anybody else who wants to come is always welcome.”

Another group of about 340 soldiers will make their way back to the mountain post Tuesday, November 15, which means all but about 500 soldiers from this unit have gotten to come home this year.